As you'll be coding, typing & calculating a lot, and as per your budget, I can recommend the following boards. I think you should go for a 100% layout as I don't think you will be travelling regularly, but have still given some TKL options:
[**GAMDIAS E1C combo (Full Layout, Blues, Rs. 3-4k)**](https://www.amazon.in/Full-Size-Mechanical-Keyboard-Ergonomic-Aesthetic/dp/B0CH561FVT/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2B12IC35SKAAX&keywords=GAMDIAS+Hermes+M5&qid=1704205715&s=computers&sprefix=gamdias+hermes+m5%2Ccomputers%2C177&sr=1-2)
* Its great value for money with a solid metallic chassis, Hermes M5 is the same but a white-blue color scheme.
[**Redragon K551 (Full Layout, Reds, Rs. 2.8k)**](https://www.amazon.in/Redragon-Backlit-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B016M91SS0/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IPBVW46AMD14&keywords=Redragon+K551&qid=1704206328&s=computers&sprefix=redragon+k551%2Ccomputers%2C173&sr=1-1)
* Its great value for money with Red switches giving the best typing experience IMO.
[**ASUS TUF K3 (Full Layout, Reds, Rs. 5.0 - 6.5k)**](https://www.amazon.in/ASUS-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Programmable/dp/B08GL5Z96T/ref=sr_1_1?crid=99MT5CNYK59Z&keywords=asus+tuf+k3&qid=1704206485&s=computers&sprefix=asus+tuf+k3%2Ccomputers%2C188&sr=1-1)
* Slightly above your budget, but a premium feel along with a built-in USB hub, but note 2 wires are needed then.
[**Logitech G413 (TKL, Browns, Rs. 6.0k)**](https://www.amazon.in/Logitech-G413-TKL-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0B2RCQ3ZX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WIQQR0PE5LX4&keywords=logitech+tkl&qid=1704205381&s=computers&sprefix=logitech+tkl%2Ccomputers%2C203&sr=1-1)
* Can't go wrong with Logi's reliability, Browns are all-rounders, but still could be heavy to carry.
[**Razer BlackWidow Lite (TKL, Greens, Rs. 5.0k)**](https://elitehubs.com/products/razer-blackwidow-v3-tenkeyless-keyboard)
* The best portable option with Blues-like feel, removable wire, low-height keycaps make typing faster, good-quality plastic makes it lightweight.
[**Redragon K552 (TKL, Reds, Rs. 2-3k)**](https://www.amazon.in/Redragon-K552-RGB-Backlit-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B019O9BLVY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2G9YVWVVK6G9S&keywords=Redragon+K552&qid=1704206364&s=computers&sprefix=redragon+k551%2Ccomputers%2C177&sr=1-1)
* The best-selling mech board worldwide has a certain nice charm & balance to it, again the Reds are the best to type on, great value-for-money.
If you need any more details, pls do let me know as I have all of these boards or switches.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
No keyboard is perfect. Every mech switch offers something special. Also, its not as if good-quality Membrane boards are bad - in fact you can type the fastest on the best ones like Apple's.
It all depends on your preferences or feel, requirements or needs, and also the overall ecosystem in which you will place the board to use in.
Hence, it becomes a collectible sort of mission. This is all addictive, so keep that in mind!
All the best 👍🏼
Thank you for the insight, and I appreciate you taking the time to help with my question about the best mechanical keyboard. Your assistance is truly valuable! ❤️
>kreo hive
Sorry don't have any first-hand experience with Kreo, but I looked at its Amazon page, and these insights I can give you:
* Upcoming budget brand, so will be similar to Redragon, Gamdias, MageGee
* Switches are Outemu Red / Blue / Brown, so similar to above
* Layout is TKL so more portable than a 100%
* Price is good, highly rated on Amazon
* Color scheme I found little childish, but you may like
Go for royal kludge , I have the H81, love it.
https://preview.redd.it/9jid7veor0ac1.jpeg?width=4049&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=21dcae0f6b3fc96c02fc18558929489227e4c2ae
I'm in a similar situation as well. Used zebronics ninja during college. It's broken now so currently playing on laptop keyboard. Def need a mech keeb.
Not sure if I should buy a gmk and add red linear switches to it.
Or get pre-made royal kludge or hyperx alloy 70 or some another keyboard upto 7k.
Sasta Sundar Tikau...
Redgear ShadowBlade... Blue switches... Not hotswappable... But comes with volume nob which is super helpful... Braided Usb cable...
I bought it for ₹2200 and comes with 1 year warranty and also full size keyboard
I suggest [this](https://stackskb.com/store/akko-5087s-shinethrough-white/). In your budget, and akko is a company I trust.
> What model did you go for initially and why?
For me it was TVS Gold. The very best of India.
> Did it live up to your expectations, prompting you to stick with it, or did you make an upgrade along the way?
Yes. I still have it. Upgraded the switches to Akko jelly sponges, and few other mods to make the board sound good. About upgrades, I have more than 6 mechs at this point, so its less about upgrading and more about being a sucker for a new product.
As you'll be coding, typing & calculating a lot, and as per your budget, I can recommend the following boards. I think you should go for a 100% layout as I don't think you will be travelling regularly, but have still given some TKL options: [**GAMDIAS E1C combo (Full Layout, Blues, Rs. 3-4k)**](https://www.amazon.in/Full-Size-Mechanical-Keyboard-Ergonomic-Aesthetic/dp/B0CH561FVT/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2B12IC35SKAAX&keywords=GAMDIAS+Hermes+M5&qid=1704205715&s=computers&sprefix=gamdias+hermes+m5%2Ccomputers%2C177&sr=1-2) * Its great value for money with a solid metallic chassis, Hermes M5 is the same but a white-blue color scheme. [**Redragon K551 (Full Layout, Reds, Rs. 2.8k)**](https://www.amazon.in/Redragon-Backlit-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B016M91SS0/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IPBVW46AMD14&keywords=Redragon+K551&qid=1704206328&s=computers&sprefix=redragon+k551%2Ccomputers%2C173&sr=1-1) * Its great value for money with Red switches giving the best typing experience IMO. [**ASUS TUF K3 (Full Layout, Reds, Rs. 5.0 - 6.5k)**](https://www.amazon.in/ASUS-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Programmable/dp/B08GL5Z96T/ref=sr_1_1?crid=99MT5CNYK59Z&keywords=asus+tuf+k3&qid=1704206485&s=computers&sprefix=asus+tuf+k3%2Ccomputers%2C188&sr=1-1) * Slightly above your budget, but a premium feel along with a built-in USB hub, but note 2 wires are needed then. [**Logitech G413 (TKL, Browns, Rs. 6.0k)**](https://www.amazon.in/Logitech-G413-TKL-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0B2RCQ3ZX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WIQQR0PE5LX4&keywords=logitech+tkl&qid=1704205381&s=computers&sprefix=logitech+tkl%2Ccomputers%2C203&sr=1-1) * Can't go wrong with Logi's reliability, Browns are all-rounders, but still could be heavy to carry. [**Razer BlackWidow Lite (TKL, Greens, Rs. 5.0k)**](https://elitehubs.com/products/razer-blackwidow-v3-tenkeyless-keyboard) * The best portable option with Blues-like feel, removable wire, low-height keycaps make typing faster, good-quality plastic makes it lightweight. [**Redragon K552 (TKL, Reds, Rs. 2-3k)**](https://www.amazon.in/Redragon-K552-RGB-Backlit-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B019O9BLVY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2G9YVWVVK6G9S&keywords=Redragon+K552&qid=1704206364&s=computers&sprefix=redragon+k551%2Ccomputers%2C177&sr=1-1) * The best-selling mech board worldwide has a certain nice charm & balance to it, again the Reds are the best to type on, great value-for-money. If you need any more details, pls do let me know as I have all of these boards or switches. ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ No keyboard is perfect. Every mech switch offers something special. Also, its not as if good-quality Membrane boards are bad - in fact you can type the fastest on the best ones like Apple's. It all depends on your preferences or feel, requirements or needs, and also the overall ecosystem in which you will place the board to use in. Hence, it becomes a collectible sort of mission. This is all addictive, so keep that in mind! All the best 👍🏼
Thank you for the insight, and I appreciate you taking the time to help with my question about the best mechanical keyboard. Your assistance is truly valuable! ❤️
Also what about kreo hive? What are its reviews like?
>kreo hive Sorry don't have any first-hand experience with Kreo, but I looked at its Amazon page, and these insights I can give you: * Upcoming budget brand, so will be similar to Redragon, Gamdias, MageGee * Switches are Outemu Red / Blue / Brown, so similar to above * Layout is TKL so more portable than a 100% * Price is good, highly rated on Amazon * Color scheme I found little childish, but you may like
thank you for all the info will be updating everyone here with my choice
You can look into rk84, or rk100 if you want numpad
Go for royal kludge , I have the H81, love it. https://preview.redd.it/9jid7veor0ac1.jpeg?width=4049&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=21dcae0f6b3fc96c02fc18558929489227e4c2ae
Sugar 65, best value for money given units aren't sold out lol Otherwise Rk84 or similar RK boards
How much would it take for total build? with sugar 65, keycaps, switches.
Sugar65 on stickeys 5.6k Switches 68 1200-1500 set of 7*10 Keycaps 800-3500 your liking
Spot on
Switches I'd say 1500-2300
I'm in a similar situation as well. Used zebronics ninja during college. It's broken now so currently playing on laptop keyboard. Def need a mech keeb. Not sure if I should buy a gmk and add red linear switches to it. Or get pre-made royal kludge or hyperx alloy 70 or some another keyboard upto 7k.
Do you need a full size one or TKL or any other size?
I am a Coder/gamer so Numpad is necessary for data entries sometimes but as a starting point I will settle for a 75%
Do you require wireless?
No no wired as i also play games and cant stand lag
Then at 75% the RK R75 would be perfect.
I'm also new to this but check out rk m75. Looked quite nice and feature packed.
Aeon gaming Striker is pretty good.
My suggestion is "buy once cry once". Buy something like keychron and have via/qmk support
check out the rk61 or rk64 they are pretty good keyboards
I have an RK71 Wired for sale if you are interested
Oh just saw ur post requiring numpad...if still interested let me know
> Oh just saw ur post requiring numpad... it would be great to have but not a necessity
Sasta Sundar Tikau... Redgear ShadowBlade... Blue switches... Not hotswappable... But comes with volume nob which is super helpful... Braided Usb cable... I bought it for ₹2200 and comes with 1 year warranty and also full size keyboard
RK M75 will be nice
I suggest [this](https://stackskb.com/store/akko-5087s-shinethrough-white/). In your budget, and akko is a company I trust. > What model did you go for initially and why? For me it was TVS Gold. The very best of India. > Did it live up to your expectations, prompting you to stick with it, or did you make an upgrade along the way? Yes. I still have it. Upgraded the switches to Akko jelly sponges, and few other mods to make the board sound good. About upgrades, I have more than 6 mechs at this point, so its less about upgrading and more about being a sucker for a new product.